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This peer review of disaster risk management and civil protection systems provides Cyprus with a valuable opportunity to reflect on its readiness to cope with natural hazards and human-induced disasters, as well as to identify ways to strengthen its prevention and preparedness policies and practices. It also facilitates the exchange of good practices and recommendations. The peer review programme is a tool made available to civil protection authorities of Member States, participating states, and enlargement and neighbourhood countries under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism legislation. It is managed by the Commission's Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid department.

The peer review of Cyprus' disaster risk management (DRM) system assessed its overall preparedness and response capabilities. The Cyprus Civil Defence (CCD) plays a central role, but the system lacks a unified national DRM strategy, with responsibilities spread across multiple sectors. The review identified key areas for improvement, including better coordination between national and local entities, more comprehensive risk assessments, and integrating climate change adaptation into disaster planning. Despite these gaps, the CCD's efforts in prevention, preparedness, and stakeholder engagement were praised. Recommendations include establishing a central agency to coordinate DRM efforts, developing a national strategy, and improving the integration of lessons learned into disaster planning.